Kentucky Department of Education



ADVANCED PLACEMENT ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE(APES) Course Syllabus 2016-2017Mrs. Dawn R. Curtsinger Washington County High SchoolIntroduction:AP Environmental Science (APES) is designed to be the equivalent of a one-semester, introductory college course in environmental science. Unlike most other college science courses, environmental science is offered from a wide variety of departments including geology, biology, chemistry, physics, geography and environmental studies. This AP course has been developed to provide you with an integrated approach to the numerous disciplines involved in environmental sciences, and to incorporate many lab and field components, as well as social and political themes. “This is not a class for tree huggers, it is a course for SERIOUS tree huggers!”(Dr. Charles Lytle, NC State University). About your Instructor:Dawn R. Curtsinger B.A. in Geology; concentration in Earth/Space, minor in broadcast newsM.A. in Science Education School phone- 859-336-5475 EXT. 226Cell Phone: 859-805-0912 (Only to be used in emergency or if you have a question on homework or an assignment) Dawn.curtsinger@washington.kyschools.usTeacher website: You will be able to access my webpage with important documents and missing work on the district webpage. We will discuss how to access this page. You will also have a missing work folder located at the front of the class. If you need extra tutoring/review time with me, please make arrangements. I will be available Monday-Thursday from 3 to 4 pm unless otherwise noted. Morning review time may also be arranged staring at 7:30 am. NOTE: All make up testing and re-testing will be exclusively on Monday and Tuesday, unless there is an extenuating circumstance. Either before or after school. This is my 3rd year teaching APES, so please bear with me as we learn and grow together. I will do my best to help you succeed in this class but you must give it your all and be willing to work and study hard. Freshman have and can pass the AP exam, however it is very difficult. Course Description:The APES course is designed to provide students with the scientific principles, concepts and methodologies required to understand the interrelationships of the natural world, to identify and analyze the environmental problems both natural and human-made, to evaluate the relative risks associated with these problems, and to examine alternative solutions for resolving and preventing them. There are several unifying constructs of themes that provide the foundations for the structure of the APES course:1.Science is a process2.Energy conversions underlie all ecological processes3.The Earth itself is one interconnected system4.Humans alter natural systems5.Environmental problems have a cultural and social context6.Human survival depends on developing practices that will achieve sustainable systemsThe Exams:The AP Exam is 100 Multiple Choice questions in 90 minutes and four essays in 90 minutes. The essays include one document-based question (DBQ), one data set (quantitative) question, and two more general synthesis and evaluation questions. Test date: Monday, May 1st , 2017 @8am. Course Prerequisites:Students should have completed the following courses or are completing these courses before or as they are taking this class: Algebra, Geometry, Biology Honors, and Chemistry Honors. It is recommended that AP students in general score 1200 SAT/PSAT, and strong writing and analytical skills are necessary for this course. It is highly recommended that you have taken or are taking these classes before taking this one. Most important for success in this course is a willingness to work hard!Class Format:This course will meet MWF for 72 minutes for the entire year and will count as one AP credit. We will strive to stay on the same topic. Tests will be around the same time. (Some test dates will need to be revised on the pacing guide.) It may be necessary to stay after class or come in on the day you don’t have APES to finish a lab. The class will be delivered in several ways including but not limited to: lecture, powerpoints, handouts, projects, labs, demos, etc. Many of the documents used in class will be available to you on our online group. Be prepared to take notes and be an active participant in class discussions and all activities. All of your scheduled tests in class will be simulations of the final AP exam, with multiple choice and essay (FRQ) portions. Other assignments will include essay sets, laboratory pre-labs and write ups, group work, computer simulations and possible webquests, quantitative analysis and data sets, research and oral presentations by individuals and teams. The lab group or team will be an integral part of field and lab work, and cooperation and participation is essential. You are expected to do all assignments on time and late will only be accepted if there is an excused absence or at 10% off each day and must be completed within a reasonable time. According to school policy you are allowed to turn late work in however many days you were out plus one. We will adhere to this rule, only if it was an excused absence. You will be required to keep an organized binder, which should include a tab for notes, handouts/worksheets, homework, labwork/reports, essays and tests/quizzes. Remember this is a COLLEGE level course with very high expectations.You will have an option to RE-TAKE your objective portion of any test! This means every student has the opportunity to re-test on the multiple choice section on the Monday or Tuesday following a test but not the free response section. This will be done before or after school; NOT DURING! Essays will not be re-scored. I will only count the re-test if you decide to take it, NOT the higher of the two grades! If you are absent, please plan to take your make up test on the Monday or Tuesday after the test. No exceptions will be made for this policy. Occasionally you may have a take-home exam to complete if our time becomes exhausted during the unit. These will be open-note, open-book exams. You will not have homework every night, but you will find the required reading and overall work load while difficult, is manageable. Again, no late assignments will be accepted without excused absences. It is important to stay motivated all year, especially towards the exam date when many people have lots of AP exams to prepare for. While my level of expectations for each of you is high, I do realize most of you are young and new to AP classes. I will do everything I can to help you succeed but my efforts can only go so far…. You must meet me in the middle. Once you are in college remember that you will be responsible for most of your own learning. Expect to do quite a bit of reading on your own outside of class. We are on a time crunch from the start and while I will try to cover everything in detail there may be things that we briefly cover in class that will require you to do deeper reading on your own at home. With that being said I do plan on celebrating important scientific dates (such as “mole day”). Try to enjoy the learning process and each other!Textbooks, Lab books & Prep booksMatthews, Carol, and N. Kathryn Weatherhead. Advanced Environmental Science. Teaching Point: USA. 2014. (We will be using several labs from this book.)Miller, G. Tyler. Living in the Environment AP Edition. Cengage Learning. Stamford, CT. 2015, 18th Edition. (We will use this book extensively. Also these textbooks will be fairly new, therefore they need to be cared for and maintained.) You will be charged $100 at the end of the year if it is not returned. Also I would like you to have Barron’s AP Environmental Science Test Preparation book. We will be using those throughout the year. They run around $20.00 directly from Barron’s website. I have a little over 20 that I will be passing out, or you are welcome to buy your own. These will have to be returned at the end of the year as well, or you will be fined $10. Grading:I adhere to the school-wide grading AP scale, and do not curve grades. You will have tests over many chapters at a time (refer to the pacing guide), formal and informal lab reports, problem solving and data analysis, multiple choice question sets, essays, computer simulations, independent research projects, current events and Internet based assignments. On some occasions homework will be graded on participation, however don’t expect that to be the norm. Expect to get graded on correctness. You are expected to keep all papers when returned. As previously mentioned, you will maintain an organized binder. Your grade will be determined by cumulative point totals converted to a percent grade each marking period. Grades will be weighted as follows: Exams & Quizzes 50% of your grade. Labs & Projects 25% and homework/class activities 25% While you are expected to do your own work, there may be exceptions for group lab reports, and you will be clearly notified when that occurs. If you are given the task of completing a group activity, you may turn in one for the group however you may not each receive the same grade. I will observe the exercises so I will know if someone is not pulling their weight. I will also ask group members to assign what grade they think each member should receive. I will take these into consideration before I assign a final grade. Late Work: Late work will be taken with an excused absence. Each day the assignment is late 10% will be taken off the grade. If you miss a lab an alternative assignment may be given to you or you may be required to come in after school and complete the lab. Academic Fraud:Students are expected to write their own lab reports (unless otherwise noted), research and other writing assignments. Absolutely no plagiarism of any kind will be tolerated. While I understand that students will have similar lab data when in the same groups, it is expected that your data analysis, conclusions and research will be written in your own words. Homework assignments will be handwritten to avoid cheating. Expect me to be vigilant in checking your references and online sources! Field Trips:This course will require you to work in lab as well as outdoors in areas around the school. I will notify you before, so please dress appropriately. Additionally, I plan on us taking several class trips to various places. Possible field trips include trips to the local water company, sewage Company, Etown’s landfill recycling center, local nature preserves/farms, Soil Day at the University of Kentucky and Hidden River Cave, etc. Possibly the Louisville Zoo. If you have a special interest in exploring a location or place, please let me know and we can discuss the possibilities. Online Platform: We will be utilizing the online platform, Mind tap, that goes along with our books. Most of your homework will come from there. You will get a code to access this. You will also be using the New American Notebook note technique as well as a vocabulary knowledge rating paper for each chapter. There is a detailed reading schedule located on the pacing guide, as to what you should read each night. Although I won’t be grading your notes/vocab, you will have weekly reading/vocab quizzes to determine if you are staying on track. Also sign up for the REMIND texts to let you know of upcoming events in our class. Text @ge932 to 81010. There is also a Facebook group, called Mrs. Curtsinger’s APES Class. It is a closed group. I may have to add you as a friend or you may have to request to get into the group. Stewardship:As a member of the APES class you are expected to take an interest in local environmental stewardship activities, some of which will occur as part of your class assignments and others that may be extra credit. Recycling efforts at our school will be a priority. I look forward to challenging you to become not just a student in my class, but a student who makes a difference in your community and globally!Extra Credit: There may be opportunities for extra credit throughout the year. This may include additional essays, book reports or projects. I will let you know when the opportunity arises. APES Course Outline 2016-2017(We will follow this as best as we can, but I do know events come up and life happens. However, don’t expect many adjustments to this pacing guide.) Unit 1: Introduction to Scientific Analysis and Environmental Science Topics:?Scientific Analysis?Observing, hypothesizing?Data collection, basic statistics?Critical interpretation of data?Economic forces, cost-benefit analysis, ownership?Environmental ethics, cultural and aesthetic considerations?Environmental laws, regulations?Overview of environmental history?Worldviews APES Math Review Chapters 1, 2, 23 and some from 24 Labs and Activities: Scientific Methods with graphing and T tests? Broken SquaresTermite Study-Experimental Design and research Old Field/ New Field-Experimental DesignEnvironmental Science Journaling Spotted Owl Controversy/ Class Debate and position paper Tragedy of the Commons Discussion/Activity Ecosystem in a Jar- 30-day Experimental Design-Maybe Feedback loopsLegislation Project Suggested Reading Schedule Unit 1: Days Pages 12-12213-24328-40441-475632-6446644-6527658-6698669-678No school -Labor DayDate: September 5 2016Test 1: September 9, 2016Unit 2: The Water Environment: Resources, Pollution & Biodiversity Topics:?Water: fresh, marine, fisheries, industrial, agricultural, domestic?Aquatic biodiversity?Water resources?Aquatic Ecology?Sustaining Aquatic biodiversity?Oceans, surface temperatures, sea level, currents?Water pollutionChapters: 8, 11, 13, 20 Labs and Activities:Water Quality Testing LabsDissolved Oxygen and Primary ProductivityDO Freshwater vs. SaltwaterField Testing of WaterWastewater Treatment LabSpringfield Water Treatment Plant TourHidden River Cave Trip Macroinvertebrate testing of waterway health- Creek near school?Suggested Reading Schedule for Unit 2: Day Pages 1318-3282329-3443544-5584558-5705168-1786178-1857248-2638263-272October 3rd-7th Fall Break (You will have a take home test during this week for Unit 2) Unit 3: Interdependence of Earth’s Systems/ The Living World Topics:?Flow of energy: forms, units, sources, biomass, energy transfer?Cycling of matter: water, carbon, major and minor nutrients?Evolution and Biodiversity-origins, niches?The Biosphere: populations, communities, ecosystems, succession, extinction?Biogeography, biomes and diversity?Community Ecology, structure and interactions?Habitat destruction, loss of biodiversity, introduced exoticsChapters: 3, 4, 5 Labs and Activities: Flow of Energy and calculationsShannon Weiner Index of BiodiversitySpecies Diversity lab modules Geodesy and PhenologyWeather simulation of Southeastern USEcosystem comparisons in lab and fieldOwl Pellet Energy Lab Nitrogen Cycling GameBiogeochemical Cycling ActivityPredator-prey simulation; Experimental design and Chi SquareExotic Species “Wanted” Poster projectIsland Biogeography Suggested Reading for Unit 3: Day Pages 152-61262-73378-87487-965102-1116111-116Nov. 8th Election Day – NO school Test 3: November 11th 2016Unit 4: Biodiversity Topics:?Populations and communities: exponential growth, carrying capacity?Biodiversity revisited Endangered Species ?Patterns of resource utilization?Cultural and economic influencesChapters: 7, 9, 10 Labs and Activities:Tag and Recapture Field Activity-Experimental DesignEnvironmental Influences on Population Distribution of ArtemiaPopulation Growth of Lemma (30 days)Carrying Capacity of an Ecosystem “Oh Deer” Suggested Reading for Unit 4: DayPage 1144-1592159-1633190-1974197-2135218-2316231-243Exam: December 2nd 2016 Unit 5: Human Populations Dynamics/ Agriculture Topics:?Populations and communities: exponential growth, carrying capacity?Biodiversity revisited?Population dynamics?Human Populations: history, distribution, demographics?Patterns of resource utilization?Cultural and economic influences?The question of food resources Biological: genetic diversity, food, forestry, agricultural productsChapters: 6 & 12 Labs and Activities:Tag and Recapture Field Activity-Experimental DesignHuman Population DemographicsPower of the Pyramids Carrying Capacity “Graveyard Smash”- Human SurvivorshipWorld in Balance Agriculture & Feeding a Growing Human Population Lab Suggested Reading for Unit 5: DayPages 1122-1312131-1393278-2874287-2955296-312Exam Dec. 20th 2016Winter Break: You will receive a vocabulary review to complete over winter break. Unit 6: The Solid Earth/Renewable Nonrenewable/ Energy UsageTopics:? Earth history and geologic time scale?Earth dynamics, plate tectonics, earthquakes, volcanism?Rock cycle, soil formation?Minerals: soils, erosion, conservation, land use management?Geologic Resources-renewable and non-renewable?Laws of Thermodynamics revisited?Energy: conventional sources, alternative sources?Energy efficiency and renewable energy?HazardsChapters: 14, 15 & 16 Labs and activities:Dynamics of Plate TectonicsSand and “Squand”The rock cycle and soil formation-Physical and Chemical WeatheringLayers of the Earth Lab- Density Column Porosity and Permeability and other modulesSoil Analysis and Soil Formation LabContour mapping and GPS trainingTopographic profiling Energy Consumption (2 labs)Owl pellets and energy-review energy flow in ecosystemsVirtual Powerplant tours of coal-fired and nuclear facilitiesEnergy Resources research projectEffects of Radiation: Gaussmeter sampling?Effects of Radiation on BrassicaTake Home assignment: Energy Audit in Home Suggested Reading for Unit 6:Day Pages 1350-3612361-3693374-3824382-3895389-3976402-4137414-4238424-436Exam Date: February 10th 2017Unit 8: Environmental Quality and PollutionTopics:?Review Air/Water/Soil, major types of pollution?Measurements, point and non-point pollutants?Effects of pollutants: aquatic systems, vegetation, wildlife, buildings?Reduction and control?Global Changes and Their Consequences?Risk, toxicology and human health?First and Higher Order effects?Pesticides and pest control Solid & Hazardous Wastes E-waste Chapters: 17 & 21Labs and Activities: Toxicology Tutor 1 Toxicity Bioassays-individual labs designsWater toxicology “Blue Gold” LC 50 Lab with Daphnia Water Pollutants & Living Organisms Lab Trash Inc. Visit to Landfill? Suggested Reading Schedule for Unit 8:Day Page 1442-4522453-4693576-5864587-600Exam Date: March 10th 2017 Unit 8: The Atmosphere/Climate Change/Air Pollution Topics:?Formation of the atmosphere?Air circulation patterns?Atmospheric conditions and biomes?Atmospheric gases, photosynthesis?Air pollution?Climate Change and ozone depletionChapters: 18 & 19 Labs and activities:Air Pollution & Vehicle Exhaust lab stations (3 stations) Analysis of Worldwatch CO2 and Temperature data using Excel modelingAcid Deposition LabWet Scrubbers Lab Ecoquests 3 and 4-Global Warming Newspaper article, El Nino/La Nina Suggested Reading Schedule for Unit 8:DayPages 1474-4842485-5013506-5164516-5245525-538Exam Date: March 31st, 2017Unit 9: Urbanization and Choices for the Future Topics:?Urban Sprawl ?Sustainable cities-urban land use and management?Economics, environment and sustainability?Politics, environment and sustainability?Environmental worldview and sustainabilityChapters: 22 Labs and Activities: Sustainable LandSuggested Reading Schedule for Unit 9:Days Pages 1606-6152615-627Exam Date: April 21st, 2017Practice Exam & Review the week of April 24th – April 28tth 2017 AP Exam: Date: May 1st, 2017 @ 8am Unit 10: Post exam projectsExperiments of student choice or extra credit book reports. Some words of advice to be successful in my class: READ your assignments, WRITE your essays well, LISTEN, and take notes in class, PARTICIPATE in all lab experiments and field work. The pace will be fast and furious in order to complete the course by the May test date. Best of luck to all of you!LAB RULES & PROCEDURESLabs include working with equipment, chemicals and/or heating devices; as a result, it is imperative that you follow all safety rules at all times. Anyone not adhering to the rules will not complete the lab & will be given an alternative written or book assignment. If you have missing assignments prior to conducting a lab, you may not be able to participate in the lab. LAB RULES: Always wear safety glasses and aprons when working with chemicals or heat. Do not smell anything unless told to do so. If you are asked to smell something, hold the container 6 inches from your nose and wave your hand over the opening of the container toward your nose. If you spill a chemical on your skin, tell someone immediately to get the teacher, and flush the area with water for 15 minutes. If an irritation develops, contact a physician. Make sure chemicals are disposed of properly. If the instructions do not clarify how to dispose of the chemicals, ask the teacher before pouring anything down the drain. No eating or drinking in the lab (expect for the ice cream lab)No flames allowed without permission and without an adult in the room. No horseplay at any time. Long hair must be put up in a ponytail during most labs. Open-toed shoes must not be worn during many of the labs. If something is broken, notify me immediately before cleaning it up. Do not touch any lab equipment or material without permission. We are not the only ones who use this lab. Clean up your work area when the lab is completed & put all materials where you are instructed. Only work with the people in your group. Stay at your station. LAB CONSEQUENCES: If it is your first offense & it is a minor offense, you will be pulled from the lab & will either copy the lab sheet (multiple times) or complete a book assignment. For more severe or multiple minor offenses, you may lose the privilege to conduct any labs the remainder of the year. In such cases, your lab grade will come from written assignments. ................
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